What is the maximum seed support a startup can receive?

Up to ₹100 lakh (INR 1 crore) per deserving startup.

How can a startup apply for the NIDHI Seed Support Program?

Startups and innovators must apply to one of the listed Startup Incubators or Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) that are part of the program. Each incubator announces periodic calls for applications; interested parties should visit the incubator's website regularly.

How can an incubator apply to become a partner under this program?

Incubators can apply when a call for applications is announced once per year through the online portal. The program will issue a call at the appropriate time.

NIDHI - Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS) – Up to ₹1 Cr

Grant providers

Provider

Department of Science & Technology

New Delhi · Delhi · India

Department of Science & Technology (DST), India The Department of Science & Technology (DST) is a central government department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Established on 3 May 1971, DST serves as the nodal body for organising,…

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Application Process

1
Incubator submits application
Interested Startup Incubators or TBIs apply for financial support under NIDHI-SSP when the annual call for applications is announced, via the designated online portal.
You
2

How to apply

Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.

1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
2
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.

Through NIDHI-SSS, seed support is routed via DST-supported incubators/TBIs rather than paid directly to founders. A deserving startup can receive up to ₹100 lakh to get off the ground and grow, bridging the gap between development and commercialization of innovative technologies, products, and services. This support is intended for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization. The host incubator can itself receive up to ₹1000 lakh, released in phases based on its needs, capacity, and capabilities. To access the funding, innovators and startups apply to one of the listed Startup Incubators/TBIs, which announce periodic calls for applications.

NIDHI - Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)

NIDHI - Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)

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